PLUSVITAL, the Irish equine science company, has announced the launch of another genetic test, the Racing GenePak, further advancement on the original Speed Gene Test.

The new test promises to help a trainer determine a horse’s optimum race distance, increase their strike-rates and even manage expectations on two-year-old performance. Plusvital acquired Equinome, the University College Dublin (UCD) equine genomic testing company, in 2015.

The Racing GenePak provides objective and scientific information to support training and race entry decisions. It combines Plusvital’s most popular genetic tool, the Speed Gene Test, with the more advanced Distance Plus Test, which predicts a horse’s optimum race distance to within a couple of furlongs. The information provided sets out to be the leading genetic tools for racehorse trainers available on the market.

Plusvital is the leading provider of genetic testing to the thoroughbred industry. Using Equinome’s genomic tools, it provides tests which analyse the DNA of the horse to predict optimum race distance, optimum race surface and performance potential.

Mike Shelly, Plusvital, CEO, said, “The launch of this new genetic test offer by Plusvital makes it easier than ever for our clients to gain an edge with the amount of information we can provide from their horse’s DNA. This combination of tests alone can help a trainer determine a horse’s optimum race distance, increase their strike rates and even manage expectations on two-year-old performance.”

He added, “Overall, we feel the additional information in these tests will further strengthen the use of this technology across the industry, where it is used as a tool to complement existing horsemanship and pedigree analysis.”

He concluded, “We’re really pleased with the revised price we’re able to offer the Speed Gene Test and Racing GenePak at. Never has genetic testing for thoroughbred horses been so accessible to all trainers and owners.”

The most high-profile example of the use of Plusvital’s genetic information for a horse in training came last year with the decision by trainer Hugo Palmer to withdraw 2000 Guineas winner Galileo Gold from the 2016 Derby following confirmation that he tested as a C:C sprint type. Galileo Gold has continued to excel at a mile following that decision, including winning the 2016 St James’ Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. It was one example of the over 14,000 thoroughbreds that have been tested by Plusvital to date.

Plusvital has an ongoing, multi-million euro genomic and nutrition research programmme, with an increased focus on the potential to use genetic testing to identify horses with a predisposition to health conditions, a key industry concern highlighted by thoroughbred breeders.

Plusvital is headquartered in Dublin with offices at NovaUCD, the Centre for New Ventures and Entrepreneurs and in the City Centre.

Prices for Plusvital’s Speed Gene Test start at just €295, with the newly launched Racing GenePak available for €435. To order a Plusvital Racing GenePak call t: +353 (0) 86 046 3187 or email: info@plusvital.com.

Plusvital is the world’s leading provider of genetic testing to the Thoroughbred industry. Powered by Equinome’s cutting edge genomic tools, it provides tests which analyse the DNA of the horse to predict optimum race distance, optimum race surface and performance potential from their headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.

Plusvital’s clients include leading trainers, owner and breeders in all of the major Thoroughbred regions around the world. www.plusvital.com